Didn't win the Powerball? So sorry! Here is some good news that may cheer you up, though.

Here at KSL Local, we are determined to help you find the best in regards to local services and businesses. This week we've teamed up with Intermountain Wind and Solar (commonly known as IWS) to talk about financial incentives and options for solar panels.

A solar lottery

Rocky Mountain Power holds a lottery each year, and it's a lottery that is only available to Utahns, so your chances of hitting the jackpot are much higher than the one in 292 million shot Americans had at the Powerball. It's called the Utah Solar Incentive Program.

Up from last year's $10 million, this year's lottery boasts an $11 million payout to homes and businesses across the Beehive State.

Starting January 15, all you have to do is submit an application through a solar installer to be in the running for incentives toward solar technology for your home. As long as you're a current customer of Rocky Mountain Power, you're eligible to enter to win up to $4400.

Because this is a lottery, there is a high chance that you don't strike it rich. In last year's lottery, there were almost 2,900 entries in the lottery, so while the odds were more in your favor compared to the Powerball, Lady Luck still had to be smiling down on you.

Bulk purchasing

What about those who don't win the lottery but are still interested in affordable solar? As part of their Intermountain Community Solar Initiative, IWS offers solar incentives outside a lottery.

In a program similar to Costco's or Groupon's model, IWS provides discounts for buying with other members of the community in bulk.

First, people interested in solar can attend free workshops that teach about the benefits and basics of solar energy systems and the available options. Then customers are able to take advantage of prices through bulk purchasing power.

With large volumes of systems being purchased, each customer can see average savings of $4,000 to $6,000 on their new solar-energy systems. In addition to the thousands of dollars you could be saving through the bulk-purchasing program, you will also be eligible for federal and state tax incentives and rebates.

So, even if you don't win any of the $11 million in the incentives offered by Rocky Mountain Power, you'll still be saving thousands of dollars on a system that will save you more in the future.

Regarding the workshops, there is one this week on Thursday, January 21, at 7 pm at IWS Headquarters (1953 W. 2425 S. Woods Cross). The workshops last about an hour.

For any other questions regarding the Intermountain Community Solar Initiative, visit their website at imwindandsolar.com.

Related topics